Brewers co-ace CC Sabathia wanted to send a message of thanks to the fans of his former team, the Cleveland Indians. And because the average baseball fan is 60-years-old, which jibes nicely with the demographics of the typical newspaper reader, it made sense to pay $12,870 to couch that benevolent gesture as a black-and-white ad inside today's Cleveland Plain Dealer sports section.

It's from the Sabathias — CC, his wife, Amber, and their children — thanking the community for 10 very good years.

"You've touched our lives with your kindness, love and generosity. We are forever grateful!" reads the copy in the $12,870 black-and-white ad.

"Also, the complimentary cocktail wienies in the clubhouse were superb. Couldn't have been more savory. And when fans pelted me with popcorn when I was struggling in the early part of the season? Well, they only threw the saltiest, more flavorful kernels. And, for that, thanks!"